Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Donald Justice’s sonnet "The Wall" is a thought-provoking and evocative piece that reimagines the biblical story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden. Through its concise and vivid imagery, the poem explores themes of innocence, awareness, and the inevitable loss that comes with knowledge.

The poem begins by setting the scene in Eden, emphasizing the characters' initial lack of awareness: "The wall surrounding them they never saw; / The angels, often." This contrast immediately establishes a sense of innocence and unawareness. The wall, a symbol of boundaries and limitations, remains unseen, highlighting the characters’ ignorance of their own confinement. In contrast, angels, who represent divine presence and protection, are a common sight and do not evoke fear as long as "the wings were furled."

Justice's choice to portray angels as commonplace as "birds or butterflies" further underscores the tranquility and normalcy of Eden. This familiarity with celestial beings suggests a harmony and comfort that contrasts with the impending loss of innocence. The mention of "beasts, too, were friendly" reinforces the idea of a perfect, harmonious existence where all creatures coexist peacefully.

The poem then introduces the first hint of impending doom: "They could find no flaw / In all of Eden: this was the first omen." The very perfection of Eden is suggested to be an omen, an early sign that something is amiss. This idea is developed further with the second omen, presented through Eve's dream: "She dreamed she saw the lion sharpen his claw." The image of the lion sharpening its claw foreshadows danger and violence, breaking the illusion of Eden's safety and perfection.

Justice then addresses the forbidden fruit, noting its lack of taste: "As for the fruit, it had no taste at all." This line can be interpreted in several ways. It could signify that the forbidden fruit, contrary to popular belief, is not inherently tempting or flavorful. Instead, it is the act of defiance and the pursuit of knowledge that carry the true weight and consequence. The line also subtly hints at the disillusionment that comes with the loss of innocence; the anticipated pleasure is devoid of satisfaction.

The poem culminates in the realization of the consequences of their actions: "They had been warned of what was bound to happen. / They had been told of something called the world." The repetition of "They had been told" emphasizes the inevitability and the forewarning of their fate. The sudden awareness of the wall, now visible with "the gate standing open," signifies the transition from innocence to experience. The open gate represents the loss of Eden and the beginning of their journey into the world, a place of unknown challenges and complexities.

The final lines of the sonnet, "As they advanced, the giant wings unfurled," evoke a powerful image of angels revealing their wings, perhaps as guardians overseeing the expulsion or as symbols of the divine judgment and protection they are leaving behind. The unfurling wings could also signify the revelation of the truth and the full realization of their new reality.

In summary, "The Wall" by Donald Justice is a rich and layered poem that reinterprets the story of Adam and Eve with a focus on the transition from innocence to awareness. Through its careful imagery and nuanced language, the poem captures the profound sense of loss and the complex emotions associated with the human condition. The sonnet form, with its structured rhyme and meter, provides a fitting framework for exploring these timeless themes.

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